Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks Recipe
There's something inherently comforting about a slow-cooked, savoury meal that fills the kitchen with delightful aromas and promises a hearty feast.
In this blog, we're bringing a touch of warmth and comfort from Robin's Kitchen straight to yours with a classic recipe for lamb shanks. This dish, known for its tender meat falling off the bone and rich, flavour-packed sauce, is a perfect centrepiece for a cosy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Read everything you need to know about preparing lamb shanks, sharing with you the secret to making this sumptuous meal an unforgettable experience.
What is Lamb Shank?
Before we plunge into the cooking process, it's crucial to appreciate what lamb shanks are. Lamb shanks are part of the animal's leg, specifically the lower part of the leg. They're characterised by their toughness, resulting from the amount of work this muscle does, which also means they're packed with flavour. Because of their toughness, lamb shanks are best cooked slowly, allowing the fibres to break down into succulent, fork-tender meat.
How to Find the Right Lamb Shank to Cook
Selecting the right lamb shank is pivotal in achieving that awe-inspiring taste and tenderness lamb shanks are synonymous with. Here’s what to look out for:
- Size: Look for lamb shanks that are large and meaty. The bigger, the better, as they tend to shrink during the slow-cooking process.
- Marbling: Pay attention to the marbling of the meat. Little streaks of fat within the muscle contribute significantly to the flavour and juiciness of the final dish.
- Colour: Fresh lamb shank should have a nice, pinkish-red hue. Any signs of discolouration could indicate the meat has begun to spoil.
- Origin: Whenever possible, opt for locally sourced, grass-fed lamb. These tend to have a richer flavour profile and are often a more sustainable option.
A Few Quick Tips Before Cooking Lamb Shank
The first step in your lamb shank culinary adventure involves preparation. Here are some initial tips:
- Trimming: While lamb shanks often come ready to cook, you may need to trim off any excess fat. However, remember that a bit of fat is essential for flavour.
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning. Lamb shanks are robust cuts that can handle (and indeed require) generous amounts of salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance their natural flavours.
- Sear First: Always sear your lamb shanks in a hot pan before slow cooking. This caramelises the surface, adding a depth of flavour that simmering alone can’t achieve.
- Low and Slow: Patience is key. Lamb shanks thrive on slow cooking, allowing time for all the tough tissues to break down into tender, flavourful meat.
- Use Liquid: Whether it’s a rich stock, red wine, or a combination of both, cooking your lamb shanks in liquid not only prevents them from drying out but also creates a delicious sauce to accompany the meat.
- Herbs and Spices: Lamb pairs beautifully with various herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, garlic, and mint are classic pairings that beautifully complement the richness of lamb.
The beauty of cooking lamb shanks lies not just in the tenderness and flavour of the dish itself but in the transformation of a tough cut into something deliciously tender. With the right selection and preparation, lamb shanks can easily become the star of any dining occasion.
Slow Cooked 12-Hour Lamb Shanks Recipe
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 12 hours
Servings: 4
Tools & Cookware Required
- A large, sturdy frying pan
- A slow cooker (for this recipe, we recommend the Baccarat The Tasty Chef 6L Slow Cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup plain flour
- 4 lamb shanks, trenched 1
- ½ cup tomato puree 250ml red wine 500ml chicken stock
- 200g carrots, large dice 1 bay leaf
- 4 sprig thyme
- ½ bunch parsley, to serve
Method
- Prep the Shanks: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Dust the lamb shanks lightly in flour and sear them in the hot pan until they're beautifully browned on all sides. This step is crucial for locking in those flavours. Once done, transfer the shanks to your slow cooker.
- Build the Base: Wipe out your frying pan and return it to the heat. Add the onions, sauteing until softened. Stir in the tomato puree, coating the onions evenly. Here’s where it gets exciting - deglase the pan with red wine and chicken stock, a process that captures every bit of the savoury bits left during browning. Bring to a boil before meticulously pouring over the shanks lying in wait in the slow cooker.
- The Slow Cook: To the slow cooker, add the chunky carrots and the aromatic herbs - bay and thyme, stirring well to integrate. Seal the deal with the slow cooker’s lid, set your Baccarat The Tasty Chef 6L Slow Cooker to 12 hours on low, and leave it to work its gentle magic.
- The Finishing Touches: As the cooker completes its cycle, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of lamb slow-cooked to perfection. Finish by garnishing the dish with freshly chopped parsley. It adds colour and a fresh, herbal undercurrent that lifts the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: These tender lamb shanks are best enjoyed with a side of crushed potatoes, their rustic texture a perfect complement to the meat's succulence.
Cooking with the slow cooker provides the perfect "set and forget" method, allowing you to go about your day while your meal cooks to perfection. After 12 hours, the lamb shanks will emerge from the cooker as a gourmet dish that’s sure to thrill your taste buds and warm your soul.
Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks FAQS
Explore the most frequently asked questions about slow-cooked lamb shanks, so you can confidently create an exquisite dish that will delight your taste buds.
1. How to Cook Lamb Shanks in an Oven?
Cooking lamb shanks in the oven is a simple yet rewarding process. Begin by preheating your oven to 165°C (325°F ). Season your lamb shanks with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. In an oven-proof pot, brown the lamb shanks on all sides over medium-high heat before adding a mixture of broth, wine, onions, carrots, and garlic for extra flavour. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the oven. Allow the lamb shanks to cook slowly for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat becomes tender.
2. How to Cook Lamb Shanks in a Crock Pot?
The slow cooker, or crock pot, is ideal for its set-it-and-forget-it convenience. To cook lamb shanks in a crock pot, season them as desired and brown them in a skillet to enhance their flavour before placing them in the crock pot. Add liquid like broth or wine, along with your choice of vegetables and herbs. Cook on a low setting for 6 to 12 hours. The gentle, consistent heat renders the lamb shanks perfectly tender and flavourful.
3. What to Have with Lamb Shanks?
Lamb shanks pair wonderfully with numerous sides. Mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or risotto can soak up the delicious sauce, while roasted vegetables or a simple green salad provide a fresh contrast to the rich meat. Experiment to find your favourite accompaniments.
4. How Long Can You Freeze Lamb Shanks For?
Lamb shanks can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Cool the cooked shanks properly before transferring them to airtight containers or zipper-lock bags. Be sure to label them with the freezing date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to serve.
5. What to Do with Leftover Lamb Shank Sauce?
Leftover lamb shank sauce is too delicious to waste. It can be thickened and served as a gravy, used as a base for a hearty stew or soup, or even mixed with cooked pasta for a quick and flavourful meal. The rich flavours of the sauce can elevate simple dishes to new heights.
For more great dinner ideas, check out the full collection of delicious recipes at Robins Kitchen now!
About Slow Cookers
Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, have become an essential tool in the kitchen for those seeking convenience and deliciously tender meals. These versatile appliances have gained popularity due to their ability to effortlessly transform simple ingredients into flavourful dishes with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who appreciates the art of slow cooking, a slow cooker is a must-have addition to your culinary arsenal.
One of the key advantages of using a slow cooker is the time-saving aspect. With our fast-paced lives, finding the time to prepare a home-cooked meal can be challenging. However, with a slow cooker, you can simply toss in your ingredients, set the desired cooking time, and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks. This hands-off approach allows you to come home to a tantalising aroma and a perfectly cooked meal, ready to be enjoyed.
Another benefit of slow cookers is their ability to extract maximum flavour from ingredients. The low and steady heat of a slow cooker allows flavours to meld together, resulting in rich and complex tastes. Whether you're simmering a hearty stew, braising tender meats, or creating a flavourful soup, the slow cooking process ensures that every bite is infused with deliciousness.
Furthermore, slow cookers are incredibly versatile. From soups and stews to roasts and desserts, there is virtually no limit to what you can create in a slow cooker. It's a fantastic tool for experimenting with different flavours and cuisines, as the long cooking time allows for the development of deep and robust flavours.
In addition to their convenience and flavour-enhancing abilities, slow cookers are also energy-efficient. They use a fraction of the energy compared to traditional cooking methods, making them an eco-friendly choice for those conscious of their carbon footprint.
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